behalf Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as "on behalf of" rather than "in behalf of");
    • the guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child
    • this letter is written on behalf of my client
  2. noun for someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive)
    • in your behalf
    • campaigning in his own behalf
    • spoke a good word in his friend's behalf

WordNet

Be*half" noun
Etymology
OE. on-behalve in the name of, bihalven by the side of, fr. AS. healf half, also side, part: akin to G. halb half, halber on account of. See Be-, and Half, n.
Definitions
  1. Advantage; favor; stead; benefit; interest; profit; support; defense; vindication.
    In behalf of his mistress's beauty. Sir P. Sidney.
    Against whom he had contracted some prejudice in behalf of his nation. Clarendon.

Webster 1913